"Syd Arthur" Author Ellen Frankel Talks About Her Book Thursday, Oct 20 in Riverwoods
Meet Syd Arthur. She may be your neighbor. Syd loves her comfortable North Shore lifestyle: the shopping, the entertainment and mah jongg games with her good friends. But after her only daughter leaves for college, something nags at her – an emptiness that she longs to fill. In fact, Syd has spent years trying to feed that emptiness with food, followed by repeated dieting attempts to lose that weight once and for all. A series of events changes everything for Syd, who then embarks on a spiritual journey to figure out how to live a more meaningful life…and keep her weekly manicure appointments!
The character of Syd Arthur is based on the historical Buddha born Prince Siddhartha, who was raised behind palace walls and showered with every extravagance. Eventually he left his protected life to embark on a spiritual journey. He ultimately reached enlightenment and became known as the Buddha, which means, “one who is awake.” He then spent his life teaching that all have the potential to awaken.
2,500 years later, in the cloistered world of suburbia, meet Syd Arthur. Syd is a middle-aged Jewish woman who is potentially awake, but likes to start her day with a strong cup of coffee, just in case!
Although she insists the book is not autobiographical, like Syd, Frankel enjoyed the material offerings of the North Shore. As a young child Frankel remembers being drawn to spiritual teachings, riding her bike to the Baha’i temple and reading the teachings of Jesus and Buddha in addition to her Jewish studies. As an adult, Ellen continued her spiritual journey by practicing yoga and attending numerous meditation retreats, which provide the basis for Syd’s entry into this intriguing – and sometimes surprising – world.
Syd Arthur draws on Frankel’s life experiences. But what makes this novel so special is her uncanny ability to capture the internal life of a woman who could be any of us. Although Syd’s view of the world will leave you laughing much of the time, her newfound wisdom will resonate and even move you to tears. So, make sure you meet Syd Arthur. She may be your neighbor. She may even be you.
AUTHOR APPEARANCE IN RIVERWOODS, OCT. 20
Ellen Frankel will be holding a talk, "Noshing Toward Nirvana" and a book signing of her novel, Syd Arthur, 7 pm on Thursday, October 20th at the Center for Enriched Living, 280 Saunders Road, Riverwoods. Part of the new "Literature, Laughter & Legacy" series from Beth Chaverim, the event is free and open to the public.
About the Author
A social worker specializing in eating and weight issues, Ellen also co-wrote her first two books with her sister, Judith Matz, a Deerfield resident. "The Diet Survivor’s Handbook" and "Beyond a Shadow of a Diet" have helped people to make peace with food, their bodies and themselves.
To learn more about Ellen Frankel and Syd Arthur please visit: www.authorellenfrankel.com
